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Open Compute Project visits Kao London One data centre

We had an interesting time with OCP yesterday, when John Laban and Steve Helvie came to review the Kao London One data centre and talk about supporting Open Compute Project requirements.

If you’ve been following the design and construction of the data centre, you’ll already be aware that Kao London One incorporates the latest state-of-the-art thinking. “All data centres should be built this way,” said John Laban during our walkabout. “It’s the way hyperscalers work, it’s also what works for facilities designed for OCP loads.”

The Open Compute Project recently commissioned IHS Markit a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions, to determine the adoption and impact of OCP gear in the technology industry. Since its inception, OCP has worked to drive innovation in and around the data centre industry.

Amongst other findings, IHS identified that EMEA revenue from non-board member companies is expected to surpass $1 billion (US) by 2021. More importantly perhaps, and certainly more relevant to Kao Data is that primary drivers of OCP adoption include power efficiency and reduced cost, together with standardization and quick deployment capability.

The flexibility of Kao London One, which enables customer solutions including a Technology Cell – a POD-based series of racks with enclosed hot aisle – is particularly suited to the OCP approach. Additionally, Kao solves the challenge of floor loading; OCP racks are heavy by comparison to standard equipment racks due to their increased hard storage device capacity and in-rack LiIon UPS.

The tour of the facility highlighted particular aspects of Kao London One which make it a first choice for customers wanting to deploy OCP racks – something with which many appear to be at POC stage. We’ll post more about this subject as we self-audit compliance with the OCP standard, but just for starters; power train – check; cooling methodology – check; floor loading – check; door height – check; elevator loading – check.